UPC Item Check Digit Calculation                                     

The last digit in a UPC number is a calculated check digit. In the symbol below, the check digit is the number "5" at the far right of the human readable text at the bottom of the barcode. The check digit catches common data entry errors and barcode decoder errors BEFORE reaching the host system. It is calculated as follows:

Step 1 Starting from the left add the digits in the ODD positions.  The "0" is in the 1st position, the "2" is in the 3rd position, etc. (0+2+4+6+8+0 = 20).

Step 2 Multiply the result obtained in Step 1 by 3. (20 x 3 = 60).

Step 3 Add the digits in the even positions. (1+3+5+7+9 =25).

Step 4 Add the result obtained in Step 3 to the result of Step 2. (25 +60 = 85).

Step 5 Determine what number needs to be added to the result of Step 4 to make it evenly divisible by 10. (85 + 5 = 90 that is evenly divisible by 10). The Check Digit is 5.